FIRST and ForMOST FROM YOUR PASTOR

Transcription

1 FIRST and ForMOST First Presbyterian Church of Annandale September 2017 FROM YOUR PASTOR The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: Don t push these children away. Don t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God s kingdom with the innocence and simplicity of a child, you ll never get in. Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them. (Mark 10:13-16 Message Translation)

2 Page 2 FIRST and ForMOST September 2017 Sometimes we get impatient with children. They demand much attention and require a lot of our time. They know so little and make lots of mistakes. They are always getting dirty and can t seem to stay out of trouble. They need help going to the bathroom and always want something to eat. But, as we can clearly see in Mark 10: 13-16, Jesus view of children was and is that they are the most precious of all creations! According to Jesus, anything that would get between the little children of the world and God is a barrier to eternal life. And, most surprisingly of all, Jesus standard for acceptance into heaven is NOT growing older and wiser, getting many college degrees, reading the most books, going to church, or even doing the most good things in life. Rather, the standard that Jesus sets for entrance into heaven is accepting God s kingdom with the innocence and simplicity of a child. As you know, for the Christian, being around children is (to use Jesus terms) is like getting into heaven over and over again, but we re able to do it while we re still here on earth! Think of the innocence and happiness that children have the way that they accept and give love the joy they express when they experience new things. And, what about the way that they quickly make new friends, play together with other children that they just met, trust that the world will not hurt them, and forgive others so quickly, especially other children. ************** As you know, the First Presbyterian Church of Annandale is in the final stages of opening up a new FPCA Christian Child Care Center. Early this October, the Fairfax Zoning Commission has scheduled a public hearing during which FPCA hopes to receive final approval to open up our church to up to 60 children between the ages of 2 and 12. We are planning to instill the most beautiful and basic Christian values in the children who come to our church Monday through Friday from 6:00 am to 6:30 pm. We plan to show all of the children who come to the FPCA Christian Child Care Center ( FPCA CCC ) that love is not something that we create, but something that God has given to us and revealed to us by and through His Son, Jesus Christ. And, we plan to show our surrounding community how positive, loving, forgiving, joyful, and generous the Gospel of Jesus Christ really is by providing the safest and most caring atmosphere for children to grow, play, and learn. From a more theological standpoint, by having more and more children and their families coming to FPCA, we will be bringing more and more of God s kingdom to our church. We will be tearing down more and more of the barriers that keep children from coming to Jesus Christ. We will be helping children come to a saving relationship with

3 Page 3 FIRST and ForMOST September 2017 Jesus Christ. And, we will be providing more children and their families with a loving, caring, and nurturing church in which they may worship and praise God for God s many, many blessings. Finally, I wish to thank all of those who have prayed so hard for this day to come. Also, I am so deeply grateful for the incredible generosity of those who have donated over $25, so far to the FPCA Christian Child Care Center Fund. With a portion of this money, we have completely renovated the church play ground with 20 tons of new rubberized mulch. With the money that is donated to this fund, we will be making the rooms in which the children will be playing and learning more beautiful and safe. And, once final approval is given, we will be hiring a new FPCA Child Care Center Director and Staff. **************** So, it gives me the greatest amount of joy and pleasure to announce to you that very soon, there are going to be many, many more children coming to FPCA! And, with each child who comes to our new FPCA Child Care Center, a little more of heaven will be coming along with him/her. I don t know about you, but, as Jesus says, I can t wait for the children (who) are at the very center of life in the kingdom to come and make FPCA more and more like heaven on earth! Your Friend and Pastor, PREACHING SCHEDULE FOR SEPTEMBER 2017 September 3, 2017 September 10, 2017 September 17, 2017 September 24, 2017 Service of Holy Communion Dr. Chris Looker, Preaching Dr. Chris Looker, Preaching The Rev. Bill Jokela, Preaching Dr. Chris Looker, Preaching

4 Page 4 FIRST and ForMOST September 2017 MEET FELLOW CHRISTIANS In the July/August issue of FIRST and ForMOST we met Vladimir the Great, the ruler of Kievan Rus at the beginning of the 11 th century AD, a Christian convert who attempted to Christianize his people. This time let us go further South to the Carpathian Basin, where the Hungarians had settled, and see how Christianity spread there. Marta Strada Stephen I of Hungary St. Stephen s Basilica, the largest church in Budapest, housing St. Stephen s mummified right hand When I went to school in Hungary, Szent István király (King Saint Stephen) was part of our lives. Churches were named after him, like the St. Stephen's Basilica in Budapest, and we were expected to see in him an outstanding, ideal personality. In my home town, Pécs, there is a Szent István church, and also a great cathedral standing on Szent István tér, (St. Stephen square). Now let us take a closer look at this famous king.

5 Page 5 FIRST and ForMOST September 2017 King Saint Stephen, also known as Stephen I, was born about 975 AD, and died on August 15, He was the first King of Hungary, reigning from 1000 or 1001 until his death in The year of his birth is uncertain, but many details of his life suggest that he was born around 975. When he was born he was given the pagan name Vajk, a name derived from the Turkic word baj, meaning "hero", "master", "prince" or "rich". He was baptized as "Stephen" in his childhood. Although both of his parents were baptized, Stephen was the first member of his family to become a devout Christian. Stephen claimed to reign all lands dominated by Hungarian lords, and strengthened his international status by adopting the title king. When crowned, Stephen was a Christian monarch who ruled his realm "by the Grace of God". He established an archbishopric shortly after his coronation. The transformation of Hungary into a Christian country was one of Stephen's principal concerns throughout his reign. Stephen systematically forced his subjects to give up their pagan rituals. His laws were closely connected with Christianity. For example, in his First Book of Laws he prescribed the observance of feast days and the confession before death. Many Hungarian lords refused to accept Stephen's leadership even after his coronation. There were armed conflicts between Stephen and the lords, even wars with the neighbors, Poland and Bulgaria. Stephen s domestic policies included collecting relics of saints, including Saint George and Saint Nicholas of Myra. He donated them to a new triple-naved basilica dedicated to the Holy Virgin. In 1018 or 1019, a new pilgrimage route through Hungary opened, connecting Western Europe and the Holy Land. Stephen often met the pilgrims, contributing to the spread of his fame throughout Europe. Stephen also established four hostels for pilgrims in Constantinople, Jerusalem, Ravenna and Rome. He convinced some pilgrims to settle in Hungary, and established a number of Benedictine monasteries. Stephen s main achievement was the establishment of a Christian country in the Carpathian Basin where the Hungarians survived, in contrast to the Huns, Avars and others who had previously controlled that territory. Stephen has always been considered one of the most important statesmen in the history of Hungary. Stephen is not only honored as a great king, but both the Roman Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox Churches honor him as a saint. The Holy Crown of Hungary (also known as the Crown of Saint Stephen) was Hungary s coronation crown since the twelfth century. More than fifty kings were crowned with it, up to the last king, Charles IV, in No king of Hungary was regarded being truly legitimate without being crowned with the Holy Crown.

6 Page 6 FIRST and ForMOST September 2017 According to tradition, the crown had been given to Saint Stephen by the pope as the symbol of the apostolic Kingdom of Hungary. It demonstrated King Steven s determination to honor God and turn the people of Hungary to Christianity. Why is the cross on the top of the crown slanted? Tradition tells us that the cross was knocked over in the 17th century, when the iron chest housing the crown was hastily closed. Today Hungary has no king, and the crown is on display in the Hungarian Parliament Building. It is quite Impressive looking at it - I have done so! Why have I written an article about King Stephen for the newsletter of the First Presbyterian Church of Annandale? Because he was a great Christian, leading his country closer to Jesus Christ. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Don Jackson ~ September 10 John Anderson ~ September 14 Hugh Iwanicki ~ September 14 Barbara Matos ~ September 14 David Wynn ~ September 15 Elisha R Musih ~ September 16 Susan Hanson ~ September 17 Dana Jackson ~ September 20 Tariq Javed ~ September 20 Roger Stevenson ~ September 21 Laura Hall ~ September 25 W.C. Hester ~ September 29

7 Page 7 FIRST and ForMOST September 2017 SESSION HIGHLIGHTS June 18, 2017 Dr. Chris Looker opened the meeting with prayer, asking the Lord to bless our church and continue to guide us in our activities. Director of Family Ministry Stella Lee reported that she was making progress with her work with children. About 20 children and their parents joined Pentecost event on June 4, It was a good opportunity to talk with two young families in the neighborhood. Session learned that a generous donation had been received to get FPCA s Christian Daycare Center ready once it is approved by the Fairfax County Zoning Board (bathrooms, kitchen, childproofing, playground, etc.). A new Heat pump and Air Handler was needed for the Sanctuary, as the present air-handler had suffered great damage due to age, rust, and use. The Buildings and Grounds Commission began a process of exploring designs and seeking three bids for a new heat pump and air handler to be installed to replace the worn-out one. Elder Marta Strada reported that the Personnel Committee is preparing new job descriptions for Stella Lee, who now works both as Director of Family Ministry and Secretary, and Felipe Dominguez, who is both Choir Director and Organist. Elder Nancy DeVera reported that the Committee was working on the nomination of Elders and Deacons. New Elders and Deacons are needed, as quite a few have reached their 6 year limit. THE FPCA MEN S BREAKFAST First Presbyterian Church of Annandale Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 8:30 AM in Room 105 Come One, Come All to this GREAT FUN AND FELLOWSHIP EVENT! CHURCH OFFICE HOURS The Church Office hours changed in August 2017! The Office is now open Monday Thursday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It is closed on Friday. You are welcome to visit us!

8 Page 8 FIRST and ForMOST September 2017 Bells will start practicing on September 12 at 7:00 pm. GOING PLACES Safe Driving as You Age Monday, September 25, 10:30am- 2pm Join us in Alexandria as NV Rides will host workshops offering tips and best practices to help you stay on the road safely, and for as long as possible. It is normal for driving abilities to change as we age. Reducing risk factors and incorporating safe driving practice can help adults to continue to drive long into their senior years. Join us for a morning of workshops to learn how to stay safe on the road, and to know how to assess when the time is right to stop driving. Workshop highlights will include steps you can take to ensure safety, how to keep your mind and body healthy, the latest in adaptive equipment, how to use technology to find rides, keeping your body and mind healthy, how to help your non-driving neighbors, and how to find safe and reliable transportation when it is time to hang up the keys. The event will include a vendor fair to showcase services available to older adults. A light lunch will be provided. If you plan to stay for lunch, an RSVP is requested for planning purposes. RSVP to Gina Cocomello at or call ginac@nvrides.org Location: Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA Cost: FREE

9 Page 9 FIRST and ForMOST September 2017 SHEPHERD'S CENTER OF ANNANDALE SPRINGFIELD OKTOBERFEST Join us to hear the Alte Kumpel German Band and enjoy German food! When: Saturday, September 16th, :00 (noon) 2:30 pm Where: American Legion Bicentennial Post #1976, 4206 Daniels Ave., Annandale, VA Cost: $20 per person (includes lunch and entertainment) Beer and wine for sale at the bar. 50/50 raffle and door prize. Tickets sold in advance. Tickets are required. Open to the public. All are welcome! Registration: Call or to shepherdscas@vacoxmail.com ATTENTION! Deadline for the October issue of FIRST and ForMOST is September 20, Please e- mail your announcements and reports to the Editor, Marta Strada, LUXI7777@verizon.net, or put them in the FIRST and ForMOST drawer in the church office. Thank you.

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